Trip to Lisbon

Arrival at Porto airport and private transfer to the hotel. For approximately two and a half hours, we’ll explore the must-see sights of Porto. We’ll visit the Clérigos Tower, the tallest in Portugal, offering the best panoramic views of the city. We’ll pass by the University of Porto and visit the Lello Bookstore to uncover the legends linking this academic institution to the magical school from the Harry Potter universe. Our tour continues to the elegant São Bento train station, famous for its more than 20,000 azulejos depicting the history of Portugal. We’ll then visit the Sé Cathedral of Porto, a fortress-like building with battlements that has undergone numerous modifications throughout its history. Built on the highest point of the city, we’ll learn about its architectural and religious significance.

We’ll begin our day by crossing the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, admiring views of the colorful houses of the Ribeira. On the other side of the river, we’ll visit the Monastery of Serra do Pilar, a 17th-century austere church overlooking the Douro River. We’ll stroll among wine cellars and rabelo boats in the emblematic Cais de Gaia. With the taste of Port wine, we’ll continue exploring the history of Vila Nova de Gaia through Jardim do Morro and the Church of Santa Mariña. We’ll also visit the Beira-Rio Municipal Market, filled with gourmet food stalls. Finally, we’ll discover Gaia’s artistic legacy—from the great Baroque architect Nasoni to one of Portugal’s most iconic urban art pieces: the Half Rabbit by Bordalo II. The tour includes entry to one of Porto’s famous wine cellars, where we’ll enjoy a tasting of two different varieties of this renowned wine. (The Spanish-language visit usually starts around 13:20.)

We’ll tour Porto’s Ribeira starting at Largo de São Domingos, passing by the Palácio das Artes, the Fernandine Gothic Wall, and the Escada do Caminho Novo—stairs nestled in the Miragaia neighborhood offering stunning views. During the walk, we’ll share curiosities about Porto’s traditional boats and the “tripeiros.” Next stop: the Church of São Francisco, the city’s most impressive Baroque temple. We’ll also pass by the Palácio da Bolsa and the Casa do Infante, a historic residence turned museum. The route continues through Praça da Ribeira and ends at the Dom Luís I Bridge, a true icon of the city. Free lunch, followed by the Six Bridges Cruise in the afternoon. During the cruise, we’ll sail along the Douro River from the Arrábida Bridge—the longest in the city, near the river’s mouth—to the Freixo Bridge at the eastern end of Porto. We’ll also pass under the Dom Luís I Bridge (built in the 19th century, 385 meters long and the most spectacular), the Infante Dom Henrique Bridge (built in 2003), the Maria Pia Bridge (designed by Théophile Seyrig, Gustave Eiffel’s partner, in 1873), and the São João Bridge (used exclusively for trains). And because Porto is more than just bridges, we’ll enjoy the best views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the most famous Port wine cellars. Naturally, we’ll cruise aboard a rabelo, the traditional boat used to transport wine barrels from the Douro Valley vineyards to the Gaia cellars.

Private transfer from the hotel to the airport and end of services.